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IPTV is a system where digital signal with stored
live audiovisual content is delivered to a number of
customers using the IP protocol over a specific
network infrastructure. In other words, IPTV is
audiovisual content which, rather than being
transmitted using traditional formats, is
transmitted to the viewer via technologies used in
computer networks.
If a more precise definition is sought, we would
find that there is more than one. For some, IPTV
constitutes an alternative distribution mechanism
for video, including stored content and direct and
on-demand video programming, via an Internet
connection and a computer or set-top box, to a
television set (a set-top box is a device connected
to a television set and some type of external signal
source that transforms the signal so that it can be
viewed on a standard device). However, for others,
IPTV is associated with Triple Play as a new video
service offered by telecommunication companies via
their broadband networks to complement their
telephony and Internet access offers.
IPTV has become the most widely-used term for
systems for subscription-based distribution of
entertainment and audio and video information
signals via broadband connections using the IP
protocol. It is often bundled with Internet access
service and provided by a broadband operator over
the same infrastructure, but with reserved
bandwidth.
IPTV is not itself a protocol. It arose as an
advanced broadcast using the IP protocol.
Streaming technology makes it possible to download
multimedia Internet content such as music and videos
without having to wait until it is fully downloaded
to a hard drive. It consists of downloading some
information that allows the medium to launch and, as
it is viewed, it continues to download. In other
words, it makes it possible to see and hear audio
and video in real time.
This type of medium is often used in Internet radio
stations and to watch videos via the web so that the
customer does not get bored. With this technology,
what is being heard or seen can be stored in a
buffer, evidently making broadband a minimum
requirement. You could say that streaming now makes
it possible to listen to music or see short videos
without having to download them first. There are
even on-line radio stations based on this
technology.
IPTV will soon transform the way video and audio
content are now seen and heard, although, for this
to happen, networks much faster than today’s will be
needed to ensure service quality.
In contrast to the traditional situation, providers
do not broadcast their content in the hope that the
viewer will connect. Rather content arrives only
when the customer requests. The key is
personalization of content for each individual
customer. This enables pay-per-view, pay-per-event,
or video on-demand to be implemented. A receiving
device or any other video receiver is connected to
the user’s computer and, using a menu, he can select
the content he wants to view, or can download it to
store in the receiver to view as many times as he
wants.
The programming companies offer is based on both
traditional channels and more specific channels on a
particular topic so that the customer can choose
those he wants. Sporting events or new release
films are also broadcast on a pay-per-view basis,
that is, the customer paying an extra charge to see
them, in addition to the service charge. This is
buying the content you want to see, constituting
television on-demand. Because of its
characteristics, IPTV will make it possible to store
content to see as many times as you want, but will
also make it possible to take breaks, and to forward
and rewind the program as if it were a video tape or
DVD.
In the advertising sector, as advertisements arrive
via the Internet, businesses can personalize them so
that users can purchase their products simply by
clicking …
Services, search methods, and restrictions are
expected to include provision to parents of the
ability to block some IPTV content, which can only
be viewed after a password has been verified. It
will also be possible to search, for example, for
all programs, series, or films in which an actor
appears, or all those of a particular genre.
This system could be implemented easily in countries
with good broadband penetration.
The following list [1] gives some examples of IPTV
Services, which are not exhaustive:
·
Content services
1.
Linear TV (audio, video and data)
2.
Linear Broadcast Audio
3.
Linear TV with Trick Modes
4.
Multi-View service
5.
Pay Per View (PPV)
6.
Personal Broadcast Service
7.
PVR service (network or client-based)
8.
Time-shift TV
9.
Video on Demand (VoD)
10.
Near VoD (Video on Demand) broadcasting
11.
Content Push
12.
Music on Demand (MoD) including Audio book
13.
Content download service
14.
Service Information (EPG: Electronic Program
Guide, ECG: Electronic Content Guide, etc.)
15.
3rd party content services
16.
End-user Originated content (Video, etc. and
applications)
17.
Regulatory Information services
18.
Advertising
19.
Hybrid services
·
Interactive services
20.
Interactive TV (iTV)
21.
Learning services (education for children,
elementary, middle and high school student,
languages and estate, etc.)
22.
Information services (news, weather, traffic,
etc.)
23.
Entertainment services (photo album, games,
karaoke and blog, etc.)
24.
Portal services
25.
Commerce services (security, banking, stock,
shopping, auction and ordered delivery, etc.)
26.
Interactive Advertising
·
Communication services
27.
Communication service (e-mail, instant
messaging, SMS, channel chatting, VoIP, Web,
multiple video conference and video phone, etc.)
28.
Communications Messaging
29.
Presence service
As
can be seen, there are numerous types of IPTV
services and, therefore, IPTV is one of the most
highly visible services to emerge as part of the
development of next-generation networks (NGN).
Indeed, IPTV can be seen as the main driver for
accelerating deployment of NGN.
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